Durkin, who already had a big hand within UF's coaching ranks as its linebackers and special teams coach in 2012, replaced Dan Quinn at the head of the defense in January. He'll take the reins this fall of a unit that ranked fifth nationally in total defense last season, but he'll do so in accordance with the vision of head coach Will Muschamp — who was known as a defensive guru himself long before he got his first head coaching job with UF.

"Coach Muschamp, it's his system and he's a great defensive mind," Durkin told the Gainesville Sun in March. "It's been great for all of us to learn that system."

Durkin, who sent three UF linebackers, including Dunnellon High graduate Lerentee McCray, into the NFL after last season, will discuss his new role at UF when he visits the College of Central Florida's Ewers Center Thursday evening as the featured speaker of the Marion County Gator Club's annual Gator Gathering.

"This event is an opportunity for local Gator fans to meet him personally and see what he has in store for the upcoming season," noted Bill Campbell, president of the Marion County Gator Club.

Durkin, who was promoted by Muschamp after Quinn accepted a position with the Seattle Seahawks, is Florida's third defensive coordinator in four years and one of just two remaining coaches from Urban Meyer's staff.

But in part because of Muschamp's defensive prowess, most Gator fans are expecting much of the same success from Durkin as they got from Quinn.

"We're looking forward to it," Campbell said. "It's always wait and see — results always speak louder than words — but we're excited to see what he brings to the table."

Durkin will headline an annual event that has a primary goal of raising scholarship money for local UF-bound high school seniors. According to Campbell, the club's 2012-2013 efforts generated funds for seven incoming UF freshman to receive a total of $14,000 in scholarship money.

Those seven students will be recognized Thursday, while other festivities include a silent auction in which a pair of tickets to each 2013 home game and other Gator memorabilia will be awarded, as well as a dinner catered by the Mojo Grill.

Along with Durkin, other UF personalities expected to be on hand include former Gator quarterback John Brantley III — now the head coach at Trinity Catholic High School — as well as former UF special teams ace and two-time national champion Joey Sorrentino.

Tickets to the Gator Gathering cost $30 and can be purchased at the Gator Patch in the Paddock Mall or at Greiners, 405 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Tickets will also be available at the door Thursday.

<p>For D.J. Durkin, the jump from being a UF defensive assistant to the Gators' defensive coordinator comes with a rather simple strategy.</p><p>Stay the course. </p><p>Durkin, who already had a big hand within UF's coaching ranks as its linebackers and special teams coach in 2012, replaced Dan Quinn at the head of the defense in January. He'll take the reins this fall of a unit that ranked fifth nationally in total defense last season, but he'll do so in accordance with the vision of head coach Will Muschamp — who was known as a defensive guru himself long before he got his first head coaching job with UF.</p><p>"Coach Muschamp, it's his system and he's a great defensive mind," Durkin told the Gainesville Sun in March. "It's been great for all of us to learn that system."</p><p>Durkin, who sent three UF linebackers, including Dunnellon High graduate Lerentee McCray, into the NFL after last season, will discuss his new role at UF when he visits the College of Central Florida's Ewers Center Thursday evening as the featured speaker of the Marion County Gator Club's annual Gator Gathering. </p><p>"This event is an opportunity for local Gator fans to meet him personally and see what he has in store for the upcoming season," noted Bill Campbell, president of the Marion County Gator Club.</p><p>Durkin, who was promoted by Muschamp after Quinn accepted a position with the Seattle Seahawks, is Florida's third defensive coordinator in four years and one of just two remaining coaches from Urban Meyer's staff.</p><p>But in part because of Muschamp's defensive prowess, most Gator fans are expecting much of the same success from Durkin as they got from Quinn.</p><p>"We're looking forward to it," Campbell said. "It's always wait and see — results always speak louder than words — but we're excited to see what he brings to the table."</p><p>Durkin will headline an annual event that has a primary goal of raising scholarship money for local UF-bound high school seniors. According to Campbell, the club's 2012-2013 efforts generated funds for seven incoming UF freshman to receive a total of $14,000 in scholarship money.</p><p>Those seven students will be recognized Thursday, while other festivities include a silent auction in which a pair of tickets to each 2013 home game and other Gator memorabilia will be awarded, as well as a dinner catered by the Mojo Grill. </p><p>Along with Durkin, other UF personalities expected to be on hand include former Gator quarterback John Brantley III — now the head coach at Trinity Catholic High School — as well as former UF special teams ace and two-time national champion Joey Sorrentino.</p><p>Tickets to the Gator Gathering cost $30 and can be purchased at the Gator Patch in the Paddock Mall or at Greiners, 405 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Tickets will also be available at the door Thursday.</p><p>For information, contact Campbell at 351-3501.</p>